Convertible flat bed and hopper body for vehicle



7 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

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June 5, 1962 W. G. HICKS CONVERTIBLE FLAT BED AND HOPPER BODY FOR VEHICLE Filed May 23. 1960 H H .Hrllwln HHM; HHHHIHH u NIMH. un un [,flul n LH. ..1

W. G. HICKS June 5, 1962 CONVERTIBLE FLAT BED AND HOPPER BODY FOR VEHICLE 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 23, 1960 INVENTOR. M/zL/z'e 6.7677 #zb/s.

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June 5, 1962 w. G. HICKS 3,037,807

CONVERTIBLE FLAT BED AND HOPPER BODY FOR VEHICLE 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENToR.

W. G. HICKS June 5, 1962 CONVERTIBLE FLAT BED AND HOPPER BODY FOR VEHICLE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 23, 1960 ZZE June 5, 1962 w. G. HlcKs 3,037,807

CONVERTIBLE FLAT BED AND BoPPER BoDY FoB VEHICLE Filed May 23, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 inf June 5, 1962 W. G. HICKS 3,037,807

CONVERTIBLEIFLAT BED ,AND HOPPER BODY FOR VEHICLE Filed May 25, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 f [if w H l /Y/ f INVENTOR.

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'l -l 5 f /MBY www2@ W. G'. HICKS June 5, 1962 CONVERTIBLEv FLAT BED AND HOPPER BODY FOR VEHICLE Filed May 25, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 u H HINNUIHH Il l IHUHWI IH Hllll IIIIIIHHIIH. H.

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Winry? gan Filed May 23, 1960, Ser. No. 31,019 17 Claims. (Cl. 296-10) This invention relates generally to a multi-purpose body for a wheeled vehicle and more particularly to a convertible ilat bed and hopper body for a wheeled vehicle.

The requirement of flexibility in modern commercial vehicles has emphasized the need for an improved dual purpose trailer capable of handling comminuted materials as well as relatively bulky materials. The present invention is directed to a body for such a trailer that converts from a flat bed to a hopper for the hauling of bulk comminuted materials. A trailer body in accordance with the present invention solves a problem characteristically associated with dual purpose trailer bodies heretofore known and used, in that the utility and integrity of function of both the hopper and the at bed is undirninished due to the convertability thereof.

More particularly, a trailer body in accordance with the present invention has a novel sealing structure on the panels of the hopper that seals and structurally reinforces the panels with respect to the frame of the trailer to prevent the leakage of comminuted materials from the hopper and, upon conversion to a at bed, locks the side panels in the horizontal condition to provide a structurally sound bed for the trailer.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is a multi-purpose trailer having provision for the hauling of both comminuted materials and relatively bulky materials.

Another object is a dual purpose trailer having bed portions that are foldable upwardly to form a hopper for the carrying of bulk comminuted materials.

Another object is a trailer having a foldable hopper that is positively scalable with respect to the trailer frame.

Another object is a trailer having a convertible hopper that is structurally rigid in the open condition.

Another object is a convertible flat bed and hopper that is positively lockable in the flat condition to form a rigid structure.

Another object is an improved hopper reinforcing means and associated structures.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description wherein reference is made to the drawings in which:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of a trailer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the bed panels thereof folded upwardly to form a hopper;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top view of the hopper of FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the trailer of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2 enlarged for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 5 5 of FIG. 3, enlarged for clarity;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3, enlarged for clarity;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the side walls of the hopper in the downwardly folded position;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional View showing seating of the side panel in the folded position;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 showing the hopper end wall at a first intermediate position upon folding thereof into a llat position on the trailer bed;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 with the end wall of the hopper at the next subsequent position upon folding thereof;

FIG. ll is a cross-sectional View of the end wall of the hopper in the downwardly folded condition;

FIG. l2 is a cross-sectional View taken substantially along the line 12-12 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 13-13 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 14-14 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 15-15 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a collapsible locking bar latch;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary top view of the hopper body with a modiied spreader bar and tarpaulin support attached thereto; and

FIG. 18 is a side view of the spreader bar of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic side elevation of the trailer showing the initial curvature of the trailer frame, exaggerated for clarity.

A trailer 20, upon which a convertible ilat bed and hopper in accordance with the present invention has particular utility, comprises a trailer frame 22 having generally parallel side channels 24 and 26 connected by a plurality of suitable transverse members 28 for the support of conventional wheel bogies 30 and 32. A suitable dump valve assembly 40 underlies the frame 22 of the trailer 20 to direct and control the dumping of comminuted materials.

A convertible fiat bed and hopper 50 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of side panels '52 and 54, made from, for example,v one inch thick waterproof plywood, that are foldable from ahorizontal or flat position with respect to the frame 22 of the trailer 20 to an upright posi@ tion about spaced axes extending generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the trailer 20. The side panels 52 'and 54 are joined by complementary front and rear panels 56 and 58 that are foldable upwardly from a horizontal or llat position with respect to the frame 22 about spaced axes extending laterally of the trailer 20 to an upright position angularly related to the frame 22 of the trailer 20. y

The s ide panels 52 and 54 are stabilized in the upright position to preclude outward bulging thereof, under the pressure of comminuted materials carried within, by a plurality of transverselyexteuding spreader barsl 62, 64 and' V66, each of which has a structural configuration suited to its particular function and location, as will be described.

Referring -to FIG. 6, the side panels 52 and 54 are shown in the upright position with respect to the longitudinal frame members 24 and 26 and transverse members 28. The side vpanel 52 has la relieved section 70 at the upper end thereof that is relatively thinner than a lower section 72 for the accommodation of Va complementaryV relatively thin upper end section 74 on the side panel 54, in overlapping or nesting relationship. Thus, when the side panels 52 and 54 are folded downwardly to rest on top of the downwardly folded end panels 56 and 58 which lie on the transverse member 28, the bed of the trailer formed thereby'is substantially ilat, the addi'- tive thickness of the'overlapping end portions 70 and 'T4 of the side panels 52 and 54, respectively, being substantially equal to the thickness of the lower end portions 72 'and 76 thereof, respectively. Y

Ywhich isv similar in construction.

and 54, respectively, are provided with a pair of longitudinally'extending generally U-shaped cap channels 84 ndf8i6, for the purpose of reinforcement and protection; 'Ihe side panels 52 and 54 are provided with a pair 'of lon'gitudirally` extending`,Z-irons 90 and 91,. respectively, having a pair vof angle irons 92; and 93 secured thereto as 'by "welding: The Z and angle irons cooperate to form inverted Ueshaped channels that in turn cooperate with a pairof complementary channels'9'4 and` 96 secured to the longitudinal frame members 24 and 26, respectively, as by welding, to function both as a seal and as a structural interlock between theside panels 52 and 54 and frame members 24 and 26 when the side panels 52 and 54 are in the uprightposition, as will be described.

Because'the Zlirons v190and 91, angle irons 92 :and 95 and complementary channels 94 and 96 are similar in construction and function, for the purpose of clarity, only one cooperating assembly, namely, the members 91, 93 and 96, will be described inv detail with particular reference to FIG. of. the drawings.

The Z`- iron 91 and tangle iron 93 cooperate with the lon= gitudinally extending channel 9,6 that is secured to the side rail 26 and transverse frame members Z8 to form a seal against leakage of comi'ntiuuted materials. The Z"- iro 91 has 'a vertically extending llange 98= lying against aniner 'surface' 99 of the panel 54, a transverse section 1m)V abutting a. loweredgefa'e 10c` of the panel 54 and a downwardly depending ilange 104 that extends in gena rally oplanar relationship with an outer face 105 of the side wall 54. The angle iron 93 has a horizontalflange 106that' is juxta'r'msed against the transverse section 100 0f the channel 9 1 andsccured thereto as by welding, and a downwardly depending an'ge 107. The iianges 104 and 107 of the and angle irons 91 and 93Vcooperate to form a downwardly opening generally U-shaped trough. A gasket 108 for example of rubber, is interposed'between the lower face of the, Vflange 106 andk a generally horizontal seating flange 109 on the channel 96 to effect a seal therebetween. The downwardly depending flange 107 on the angle iron 93 engages the channel 96 thereby to restrict outward movement. of the panel 54 under the bias-of a load of comminutedmaterial. It is -to be noted that the interlocking relationship of the oppositely directed U-shaped channels function as a labyrinth to aid in sealing the panel- 54 with respect to the frame 2:6. Also, the channel 916 functions las a rain gutter to carry water longitudinally of the trailer 20 and out the open ends thereof.

The aforementioned structural engagement between the angle iron 93 and channel 96 requires that the panel 54 be elevated with respect to the channel 96 when it is desired to fold Vthe panel 54 to the horizontal position. The side panels 52 and 54 are pivotally supported and biased upwardly and downwardly with respect to the channels 94 and 96 on the frame members Maand' 26, respectively, by ia plurality of crank mechanisms 130, eachrof For the purpose of clarity, only one of the crank mechanisms 130 will be described hereinafter.

" VEach crank mechanism 160. (FIG.Y 12) comprises a tubular member 13 2 that is secured to a transverse support bracket 133 as by welding,` the support'bracket 133 being weldcd'torrtheframe member VV26. Y Thetubular member `132' VhasV a radial collar'13r4vwelded to the lower endthereof, which, in combination with a complementary collar 136, `positions and supports ai rotatable nut'140; The nut 140 has a radialV llange142, that -is accepted in aA suitable circular recess 144 in the coll-ar 136 thereby to position the nut 140. axially with respect tothe tubular Y memherlz. A cranlr145 isv secured to rthe`nu't140', as

by welding, to`facilitate rotation'ofv the 11ut140'thereby to move a leadv screw'150'axially of the nuti140and'tu-4 bularimember 13e. Y

Y The'lead screw 150 hasga threaded' lower end portion 152 for yacceptance withinthe nut 1-40andgextends central;

ly of thetubular member'1f32. A bushing: 1'54is-'secured to the upper end portion 155 of the `lead screw 150, as by welding, for the acceptance of a horizontally extend-v ing pivot pin 156. The pivot pin 156 is secured to an end plate 158 of a panel support bracket 160. The bracket 160 hasan outer plate 162i that abuts the outer surface 105 of the side panel 54 to rigidly support the side panel 54 for both rotation and translation with respect tothe frame 22 of the trailer 20. A stop pin 1 64 is secured to the lower end portion of the plate 158, as by welding, and is engageable with theyleadY screw 150, to. function as a stop for the side panel `54 when the side panel S4 is rotated eounterclockwise, as seen in FIG. l2, Iwith respect to the frame 22;

As discussed hereinbefore, in order to effect rotation of the side-panel 54 with respect to the channel 96, the side panel 54 must first be elevated with respect to the channel 96 so that the fiange 107 on theangle iron 93 clears the channel 96.`

Elevation of the panel 54 is accomplished, using the side panel 54 as an example, it being understood that the panel 52 is similarly elevatable by similar crank mechanism 130, by rotating the front and rear cranks 145 associated therewith to advancethelead screws 150l thereof upwardly with respect to thesframe 22 and elevate the side panel S4. Afterthe side panel 54 is elevated to a position wherein the ilange portion 107 thereof clears the ilange 109 on the channel 96', the side panel 54 is rotatable to a horizontal position. The side panel 54 is then locked in the horizontal position'with respect tothe trailer frame 22 by retracting the lead screws 150 thereby drawing the dlange portion 93k of the channel 91 downwardly againstthe flange 109 of the channel 96. Because the front and rear panels 56 land 58, 1which are foldable `member in a manner-to be described, Vare folded downwardly prior to the side panels 52 Iand 54, retraction of the lead screws locks the entire assemblage in the horizontal position.

Asbest seenin FGS. 3 and 4 a pair of transverse plates extend between the side railsY 24 and 26 and are secured thereto asY by welding. The plates 180, because o-f their angular orientation with respect to the horizontahform a downwardly convergent' spout within the `frame 22 of the trailer 20. The upper end portions 182 of the transverse plates 180 are folded to form anges 184 which function as seats for the yfront and rear panels 56 and 58.' Because the front and rear panels 56 and 58 are similar in construction, for the purpose of clarity, only thefront panel 56 will be described in detail.

The front panel 56 has lan angle iron 190 secured to a lower edge face 192 thereof which, in combination with an angle iron 1796, defines a generally U-shaped channel adapted to be seated on the flange 184 of the transverse A resilient gasket 197 of, for'example, rubber, is bonded to the inner face of the channel to effect a seal between the panel 56 `and the transverse member 180 when the panel 56 is in the upright position, as seen in As best seen in FlGS. 9 through il, the front panel 56 is Yfoldable` downwardly and rearwardly of the frame 22 Iby pushing rearwardly thereon whereupon the angle 196 rides up on the member 180 and the angle'190 rides over the'ange 184 on the member 18%, a lower end portion 198'on the angle iron 190 guiding the panel 56 as it moves rearwardly. The angle iron 19t) is particularly important'in guiding the panel 56 for movement upwardly and rearwardly of the transverse member 13d` when raising' the frontpanel 56 in that itV guides the angle 196 of the panel 56 into initial engagement with the member 180 Y 4wherenponit is 'conditioned for rotation about the flange 184. It isalso apparent that Ythe angle irons and 196 preventforward or rearward movement of the panel 56 with respect to the member 180.

The rear panel 58 is supported and folda-ble in a manner similar to thefront panel 56.

It is to be noted that the side panels 52 and 54 are provided with a pair of angularly upwardly extending angle irons 200l and 202, respectively, each having a ygasket 203 thereon, the angle irons 200 and 202 functioning to define the upright position of the front panel 56, and eiecting a seal between the side panels 52 and 54 and the end panels 56 and 58. A similar set o-f angle irons 200 and 202 define the upright position of the rear panel 58. When the hopper 50 is loaded wtih co-mminuted material, the angular relationship of the respective pairs of langle irons 200 and 202, and' therefore of the panels 56 and 58, results in a downward component of force on the panels 56 and 58 tending to maintain a sealing relationship between the panels 56 and 58 and their associated transverse members 180.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 13 through 18, la number of different types of spreader bars 62, y64 and 66, each having a particular application and function, are provided to support the side walls 52 and 54 in the upright position with respect to the frame 22 of the trailer 20 to resist outward bulging of the panels 52 and 54 when the hopper 50 is loaded wtih comminuted material.

Referring to FIG. 14, the spreader bar 64 comprises a tubular member 212 having a generally U-shaped downwardly opening end clamp 214 shown operatively engaged with the upper end portion 70 of the side panel 52. The spreader bar 64 is pinned to the side panel 52 by a spring clamp 220 having a reentrantly folded hook portion 222 and a U-shaped body portion 224, one leg 226 of which is engageable in the loop 222.

The spreader bar 62, as shown in iFIGS. 13 and 15 comprises a tubular member 252 having a gooseneok 254 secured thereto as by welding. A downwardly extending portion 256 of the gooseneck 254 is engageable in a suitable latch bracket, to be described, and has -a transverse bore 257 `for the acceptance of a spring locking pin 258.

It is to be noted that Where the side panels 52 and 54 overlie the front and rear panels 56 and 58, a foldable latch bracket is required to accommodate nesting of the `panels 52, 54, 56 and 58.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, a ifoldable latch bracket 260 is supported for rotation by a pin 261 and has an laperture 262 for the acceptance of the lower end 256 of the gooseneck 254. The latch pin 261 is supported by a transverse support 263 that is secured to a vertically extending side plate 264 las by welding. The transverse support 263 and latch 260- extend through a suitable aperture 270 in the side panel 52, the plate 264 being secured to the panel 52 as by a plurality of bolts 272. Upon folding of the panels 52 and `54, each latch bracket 260 is accommodated within its associated recess 270.

At those locations where `a collapsible latch bracket is not required, a rigid latch 280 (FIG. 15) is provided for the spreader bar 62 comprising a horizontally extending latch bracket 282 with an aperture 284 therein for the acceptance of the downwardly extending portion 256 of the gooseneck 254. The latch bracket 282 of the latch 280 is secured to -a vertically extending plate 286 as by welding, the plate 286 being secured to the side wall 52 as by a plurality of bolts 288.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the spreader bar 66 is similar to the spreader bar 64 but is provided with a turn buckle 300 that accepts appropriately threaded rods 304 and 306 to facilitate adjustment of the length of the bar 66.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the hopper 50 is provided with a spreader bar and ridge pole assembly 320 comprising a front pole support 322 having an upstanding tubular portion 324 that is secured to a downwardly extending U-shaped channel 326 as by welding. A similar rear pole support 330 comprises an upstanding tubular member 332 that is secured to a downwardly opening generally U-shaped member 334 as by welding. The end panels 56 and 58 are accepted in the U-shaped channels 326 and 334, respectively. A pair of upstanding circular ridge pole supports 340 and 342 having upwardly opening U-shaped brackets 343 and 344, respectively, are accepted within the tubular members 324 and 3532, respec- 6 tively,-for the support of a pair of longitudinally extending ridge poles 351 and 352. The ridge poles 351 and 352 are supported centrally of the assembly 320 by a pair of generally U-shaped brackets 360 and 362 that are supported by a pair of transversely and downwardly extending supports 364 and 366, respectively. The supports 364 and 366` have downwardly opening generally U- shaped brackets, 368 and 370, respectively, secured thereto as by welding, for engagement with the upper edge portions 70 and 74 of the side'walls 52 and 54, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 19, the trailer frame 22 is shown having a raised center portion (exaggerated for clarity) whereby, upon loading of the trailer 20, the Iframe 22 iiexes to the straight or horizontal position. The convertible flat bed and hopper 50 of the present invention is compatible with such exure because the side panels 52 and 54 are supported with respect to the frame 22 at only two longitudinally spaced points, thus minimizing stress of the side walls upon deflection of the trailer frame due to a load placed thereon.

As seen in FIG. 19, the side panel 54 is initially positioned with respect to the frame 22 so that the resilient member 108 on the lower edge face of the panel 54 is compressively seated on the complementary iiange 109 on the longitudinal channel 96 of the frame 22 at only the midpoint of the side wall 54. As the trailer frame 22 deilects downwardly, under an increasing load, the initial point compression of the resilient gasket y108 is relieved and distributed longitudinally Vthereof until, when the frame 22 is substantially straight, the resilient member 108 is evenly compressed over the full length of the panel 54. In this manner, flexure of the trailer frame is accommodated while providing for a continuous and positive seal between the frame 22 and the side panel 54. The thickness of the gasket 108 can be so determined in relation to the curvature of the frame 22 so that engagement therebetween is continuous after the side panel 54 is biased downwardly to an initial position.

Another feature of the present invention is that the channels 94 and 96 function a-s rain gutters for the conduction of rain water longitudinally of the trailer through the open end portions thereof, thus preventing the passage of rain Water into the trailer.

It is also to be noted that the front and rear panels 56 and 58 are in effect, removably hinged with respect to the supporting members therefor which provides for free movement of the panels 56 and 58 longitudinally of the trailer in the folded position so as to be positionable thereof at the optimum point longitudinally of the trailer to structurally support a load. However, the panels 56 and 58 are foldable from the upright to the horizontal position about a hinge point thereby minimizing lifting and making the use of relatively heavy panels practicable in those applications requiring it.

It is also to be noted that because the side panels 52 and 54 are elevatable, the aforementioned folding of the front and rear panels 56 and 58 is accommodated without impairing the sealing function thereof and without interference between the angularly upwardly extending angle irons 200 and 202 on the side panels 52 and 54 with the downwardly depending anges on the front and rear panels 56 and 58.

While it will be apparent that the embodiments of the invention herein disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects of the invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A convertible iiat bed and hopper for a wheeled vehicle having a pair of laterally spaced longitudinalmembers defining longitudinally extending substantially continuous sealin-g faces, respectively, and a pair of longitudinally spaced lateral members delining laterally extending substantially continuous sealing faces respectively,

said panels having lower edge facesengageable with theV sealing faces on respective ones ofthe vehicle members for seating and sealing said panels with respect to the rnenibers when in the upright position, said vpanels. having downwardly depending flanges, respectively, extending beyond said lower edge facesfor restraining outward llexure of the panels under a load of comminuted material.V

2. A convertible flat bed and hopperY inA accordance with claim 1 wherein said longitudinalfpanels are heldv down' with respect to the frarnefmembers at only two longitudinally spaced points whenA in the upright position to minimize dellection thereof upon deilection of the trailer under load.

3. A convertible tlat bedv and hopper in accordance with claim l wherein said lateral panels are engageable with said lateral frame members to, facilitate folding thereof` andare disengageable'from said lateral members. to facilitate movement longitudinally of the vehicle when in the downwardly folded'condition.

4. A convertible llat bedV and hopper in accordance with claim l wherein said lateral panels are -ang'ularly positioned and supported by said longitudinal panels when said lateral panels are in the upright position whereby the Weight of a load within,-the hopper biases said lateral panels toward the supporting structure on said longitudinal panels to eilect a seal. therebetween..

5. A convertible .flatbed and hopper for a wheeled vehicle having a pair of spaced lsubstantially continuous longitudinal members `and a pair ofspaced lateral members, said convertible bed and hopper comprising a pair of longitudinal panels and a pair of lateral panels fold- -able between Vthe upright' `and horizontal position, respectively, ea-ch ofsaid panels having a lower edge face engageable with anlnpper edge face on. respectiveV ones of. the frame members for seating and sealing said panels with respect to the frame members when in the upright position and ia Vdownwardly depending flange extendingY beyond said lower edge faceengageable with'an inwardly facing surface on said members for restraining outward ilexure of the panels under aload ofcomminuted material, and pivot means` on said longitudinal, panels supporting-said panels for rotation between the upright and horizontal positions. Y

6. A convertible hat bed and hopper for a wheeled vehicle having a pair ofl spaced longitudinally extending upwardly opening channels and apair ofV spaced laterally extending members, said convertible bed and` hopper comprising a pair of longitudinal panels`V and a pair4 of 1arteral panels vfoldable betweenthe uprightgand horizontal position, respectively, eachv of said panelshaving a lower edgerface. engageable inthe upright position Vwith respective ones of. the, channelsv and'lateralfmembers for seating and sealingsaid panels with respect thereto, said panels having apair of spaced. flanges dependingdownwardly from the lower edge faces thereon inV interlocking relationwith the Vlongitudinalchannels and lateral membersinthevehicle. Y'

7. A convertible ilat bed and hopper .in accordance with claim 'wherein one 'ofthe flanges on each ofthe longitildinal panelsfis acceptablewithin Vthe'bight of an"V associated channel/and (the other ofthe `flanges is engageL able'with an outer Ysurface ofthe channel. 4 8..'A convertible flat bed andV hopper in Iaccordance Y, with claim 7 wherein said longitudinal panels are supported for rotation" about Vlongitudinal axes, respectively. 9, A convertible hopper in accordance withV claim `8 portionsV of the charmels.l f

wherein thepivotal'sup'ports for said' longitudinal panelsV 8l are'lowerrable to lock the inner faces thereof` against said channels, respectively, in the horizontal' position.

V1l. VA convertible ilat bed and hopper for -a wheeled vehicle having a pair'of spaced longtiudinally lextending frame V'channels and a pair of longitudinally spaced transverse members, said convertible bed and hopper comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extending panels,

,Y means pivotally supporting said panels for rotation between the upright and horizontal positions, said panels being engageable with said frame channels to :form a labyrinth seal, a pair of spaced transversely extended panels movable between the upright and horizontal positions and engageable with the transverse members of said vehicle to form `a labyrinth seal, and means for elevating the pivotal supports of said side panels to facili tate rotation thereof comprising,respectively, a nut andV a lead screw movable axially with respect to said' nut upon relative rotation therebetween to effect vertical movement of said panel support.

12. A convertible ilat bedV and hopper for ya wheeled vehicle comprising Va pair of spaced longitudinally extending vside panels pivotally supported at the lower ends thereof for rotation about longitudinal axes, respectively, between the uprightV and horizontal' positions, said side panels overlapping in nesting relationship in the horizontal position, a pair of longitudinally spacedY trans, versely extending end panels movable between the up.- right and horizontal positions, and a transversely extending spreader bar engageable with a latch on each of said side panels to rigidify said side panels in the upright position, said latch being articulated to facilitate said nesting relationship.

13. A convertible tint bed and hopper for a wheeled vehicle having a pair of spaced longitudinally extending frame channels and a pair of longitudinally spaced transverse members'said convertible bed `and hopper cornprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extending panels pivotally supported at the lower ends thereof for rotation between the upright and horizontal positions and engageable with said frame channels to form a labyrinth seal, a pair of spaced transversely extended panels movable between the upright andV horizontal positions and engageable with the transverse members of said vehicle to form a labyrinth seal, and a plurality of crank mechanisms for elevating the pivotal supports of said side panels to facilitate rotation thereof, each of said crank mechanisms comprising a tubular member supported by the vehicle frame, a rotatable nut supported by said' tubu lar member and, a lead screw supporting an associated panel pivot threadably engaged with said nut and movable -axially thereof to elevate said panel pivot. Y

14. In a convertible flat bed and hopper for a wheeled vehicle having a frame that is detiectable under load,.a pair of spaced longitudinally extending side panels pivotally supported for rotation betweenV the upright and horizontal positions, land means for initially positioning the center portions of said side panels at ya'iirst relatively smallV vertical spacing with respect to opposed center portions of the iframe whereby the vertical spacing between said panels and the frame becomes substantially equal the full' length thereof as the framedeects under load.

i, l5.Y In ,arconvertiblellatl bed hopper for a wheeled vehicle having a pair of spaced longitudinally extending frame channels having upwardly bowed/center portions,

. respectively, ,that aredeflectable dbwnwardlyunder load,

a pair rif-spaced longitudinally extending panels pivot- Vally, snppprtedV at only the opposite ends thereof for ro- Y wherein the pivotal supports for said longitudinal panels are .elevatable to retract the. flangesthereof from the bight tation between Vthe, uprightand horizontal positions, Ysaid panels having center vportions initially positionable'in Aclosely spaced relation vwithioppose'd center portions of Y said frame channels, `respectively, the! spacing between said panels and channels substantially equalizing over.Y thelength ofsaid'panelsvas said channels deflect toward the straight conditionunder load.

9 16. In a convertible at bed and hopper for a wheeled vehicle having a pair of spaced longitudinally extending upwardly bowed frame channels, -a pair of spaced longi` tudinally extending panels pivotally supported at only the opposite ends thereof for rotation between the upright and horizontal positions, a compressible seal on the lower edge face of Said panels, respectively, and means for biasing the pivotal supports of said side panels downwardly with respect to the frame, thereby to initially cornpress said seal which compression is relieved upon downward deflection of frame channels under load.

17. A convertible at bed and hopper for a wheeled vehicle comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extending open-ended and upwardly opening U-shaped frame channels, a pair of spaced longitudinally extending panels pivot-ally supported Ifor rotation between fthe upright and horizontal positions and engageable with an inner one of the legs on said lU-shaped channels, respectively, in sealing relationship whereby said channels function as rain gutters to preclude direct contact between water and the -seal between said panels and channels, respectively.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 276,017 Foster Apr. 17, 1883 2,071,620 Fitch Feb. 23, 1937 2,768,021 Kaster Oct. 23, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 716,699 Germany Jan. 27, 1942 

